Hi, we're JB & Renée, the Traveleaters! Food plays a MAJOR role in our trips. Does it for you too? Pull up a chair and join us as we explore this delicious world one bite at a time. CLICK HERE to read more about us and this blog.

Spaghetti Gangnam Style!‏

Stuck with an anthill of leftover bolognese that was too little for one serving, Ren wondered how she could extend it in a creative, more interesting way. Sloppy Joes? Maybe some chili dogs? Tasty ideas for sure, but not quite the lightbulb moment that she was looking for. The one thing that she did know for certain though, was that whatever the dish, it had to be devilishly spicy.

And just like that, in an epiphanous, eye-widening moment, the inspiration comes to her in the form of a rotund, tuxedo-wearing little devil whispering into her ear:

“Psst…Oppa is Gangnam style.”

Having once heard it described as the Korean version of tomato paste, Ren feverishly busts out her stash of gochujang, some soy sauce, and a little sesame oil, and recycles the leftover bolognese to create this very spicy, exceedingly flavorful dish of Korean-style spaghetti. If you enjoy familiar food with a twist (and a kick!), then you’re sure to love this.

Inspired, different, somewhat comical, and most unexpected, it’s a surefire hit. Now if only I can post it on YouTube…

Spaghetti is Gangnam style! If you enjoyed this recipe enough to make you do the horsey dance, please vote for it as this month’s favorite pasta dish at the Shine Supper Club. Thank you!

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions, drain, then set aside. Heat oil in large skillet and sauté mushrooms until browned. Add diced half of carrots, white onion, leeks, and white parts of green onions, then sauté until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for a couple more minutes or until fragrant.

Add 1/4 cup of chicken stock and stir.

Add ground meats and pour in 1/2 cup more of stock while stirring. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 8 minutes or until meats are cooked through.

Stir in milk and cook until half of liquid has evaporated. Add tomato paste, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and remaining chicken stock, and continue to cook until sauce has started to thicken (about 5-7 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.

DID YOU KNOW?

That Korean pop superstar PSY’s “Gangnam Style” video now holds the Guinness World Record for most “likes” in YouTube history? In just a little over two months since being made available for view on 15 July 2012, the video has already garnered 2,141,758 likes. It’s closest competitors are LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” (1,574,963 likes), Justin’s Bieber’s “Baby” (1,327,147 likes), and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” (1,245,641 likes).

Hilarious recipe name, and fantastic recipe! I will basically eat anything with gochujang, and I love this smart spaghetti adaptation. It would make a great contribution to this month’s Shine Supper Club!

Hi Sarah, many thanks for visiting our blog and the kind comment! We’d be honored and thrilled for the recipe to be included in the Shine Supper Club. I’ve read the rules and will go ahead and post it there. Thanks so much again!

Just found your blog & the delicious recipes you shared. Enjoyed this Spaghetti-Gangnam style! Must try this one soon. Thanks for the great recipe. I’ll be back and hope to enjoy more of your delish offerings.